Uveitis

Uses

Principal Proposed Natural Treatments

Other Proposed Natural Treatments

The term “uveitis” means "inflammation of the uvea." The uvea is the middle layer of the tissues surrounding the eyeball, stretching from the iris at the front of the eye all the way back to a lining beneath the retina at the back of the eye. The three main types of uveitis are named based on where inflammation occurs:

Iritis (or “anterior uveitis”) for inflammation toward the front of the eye

Cyclitis (or “intermediate uveitis”) for inflammation along the body of the eye

Choroiditis (or “posterior uveitis”) for inflammation in the rear of the eye

Uveitis can also be called
acute
or
chronic
, depending on whether it is short or long in duration.

Uveitis usually occurs in only one eye. In the most common forms of uveitis, the eye is reddened, and the redness reaches into the area just next to the iris. The affected pupil may be smaller than the other and its shape may be irregular. Vision is often blurred or misty, and blinking will not clear it. Deep, aching pain generally accompanies uveitis.

Uveitis can begin after injury to the eye or eye surgery, but it can also start with no obvious trigger. While the underlying cause of uveitis is unknown, autoimmune processes are thought to play a role.

If left untreated, uveitis can cause permanent damage to vision, including blindness. For this reason, medical examination and treatment is mandatory. The diagnosis of uveitis is made by means of a special medical tool called a slit lamp. Treatment involves medications to reduce inflammation and control pressure in the eye.

Other Proposed Natural Treatments

No natural treatment can
substitute
for standard medical care for uveitis. However, two natural substances taken together,
vitamin C
and
vitamin E
, have shown promise when used in
addition
to standard treatment.

In a
double-blind trial
of 145 people undergoing treatment for acute anterior uveitis, participants were additionally given either placebo or combined treatment with vitamin C (500 milligrams [mg] twice daily) and vitamin E (100 mg twice daily).
1
People receiving the real treatment had better visual acuity at the end of the 8-week study period. Researchers hypothesized that free radicals (a class of dangerous, naturally occurring chemicals) play a role in the eye injury caused by uveitis. Vitamin C and vitamin E are antioxidants, and tend to neutralize free radicals. While further study is necessary to corroborate these results, it appears plausible at least that use of these antioxidants may help keep the eye healthy while it recovers from the condition.

Antioxidants are also often recommended for chronic uveitis (again, alongside conventional care). One study examined the potential benefits of an antioxidant extract made from the herb
turmeric
, and appeared to find benefit.
2
However, this study lacked a placebo group, and therefore cannot be taken as reliable.

Finally, websites discussing natural treatments for uveitis make numerous other recommendations, based on pure speculation. The list includes the following:

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.